Hiatal Hernia in New Jersey

Types of Hiatal Hernias

There are generally two types of hiatal hernias:

• Sliding hiatal hernia: This is the more common type of hiatal hernia. It occurs when your stomach and the lower part of your esophagus slide up into your chest through the diaphragm. Sliding hernias tend to be small. They usually don’t cause any symptoms, and may not require treatment but can be evaluated at one of our New Jersey care centers if symptoms develop.
• Paraesophageal hernia: This type of hernia is not as common and considered more serious. Your esophagus and stomach stay where they should be, but part of your stomach squeezes through the hiatus to sit next to your esophagus. Rarely, your stomach can become squeezed and lose its blood supply causing a serious medical emergency.

Hiatal Hernia Diagnosis

Several tests can be done to help diagnose a hiatal hernia. A hiatal hernia is often discovered during a test or procedure to determine the cause of heartburn or chest or upper abdominal pain. These tests or procedures include:

• X-rays (barium swallow test)
• CT scan
• Endoscopy
• Esophageal manometry test
• Gastric emptying studies

If you are experiencing reflux, abdominal pain, or swallowing difficulties, our diagnostic programs throughout New Jersey can help determine whether a hiatal hernia is the cause.

Treatment Locations for Hiatal Hernias

Gastroesophageal Reflux and Motility Program
JFK University Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison, NJ 08820
732-346-5400

To find a Hackensack Meridian Health physician near you who treats Reflux Disease, please call 855-HMH-WELL.

Hiatal Hernia Causes

The most common causes of hiatal hernias are muscle weakness and an increase in pressure in the abdominal cavity. However, other conditions, traits or habits may also play a role in increasing your risk including:

• Older age
• Obesity
• Long history of cigarette smoking and/or drug abuse
• Damage from an injury or surgery
• Pregnancy
• Being born with an unusually large hiatus
• Family history/Genetics
• Persistent pressure on the surrounding muscles, while coughing, repeatedly vomiting, straining during a bowel movement, or lifting heavy objects

Hiatal Hernia Symptoms

It’s rare for hiatal hernias to cause symptoms. If you do experience any pain and discomfort they’re usually caused by the upward flow of stomach acid, bile, or air. Common symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Heartburn, worse when bending over or lying down
• Swallowing difficulty
• Acid reflux or GERD
• Belching

Seek medical treatment immediately, if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Severe pain in your chest or belly
• A persistent upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas

These could be signs of a strangulated hernia or an obstruction, which are medical emergencies.

Hiatal Hernia Lifestyle Changes and Medication Treatments

Some people do not experience any symptoms related to their hiatal hernia. If you only experience mild symptoms, like heartburn, then your provider will likely only recommend medication and lifestyle changes such as:

Lifestyle Changes

• Healthy diet
• Avoiding bending over or lying down after eating
• Sleeping in a slightly elevated position
• Smoking cessation

Medication

• Over-the-counter antacids or antihistamines
• Proton pump inhibitors or H2-receptor blockers to lower acid production

Hiatal Hernia Surgical Treatments

Sometimes a hiatal hernia requires an operation for repair. This is usually performed using minimally invasive techniques, known as laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Your surgeon inserts a camera and special surgical tools through several small incisions in your abdomen.

The operation is then performed while your surgeon views images from inside your body that are displayed on a video monitor. These “minimally invasive” procedures have smaller cuts, less risk of infection, minimal pain and scarring, and faster recovery than traditional surgeries.

Frequently Asked Questions